SportBusiness.com

BIRMINGHAM IN STADIUM-CASINO PLANS

Premier League club Birmingham City has revealed plans for a 50,000-seat state-of-the-art multi-use stadium development, funded by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation.

‘Wheels Park’ in the east side of the city could be the future home to The City of Birmingham Stadium.

It would incorporate bars, restaurants, club retail and a casino.

There would also be moving seating tiers to enable the expected 3.1 million visitors each year to enjoy Premier League soccer, international cricket, world-class athletic competitions and international musicians under a 70,000sq.ft. moving roof.

The £200million project is expected to create more than 2,500 permanent and construction jobs.

It is hoped the venue would become a national leisure destination visited by sports fans, tourists, business people and local residents.

Birmingham chief executive Karren Brady said: “The people of Birmingham stand to benefit hugely both economically and socially from the development and proudly witness their city become host to world-class events that will put Birmingham and the West Midlands on the map for years to come.

“If the second city were to miss out because of a lack of support from our local authority in applying for the necessary casino, it would be a tragedy.”

Las Vegas Sands’ UK representative, Rodney Brody, said: "We’ve enjoyed positive discussions with Birmingham City Council and we are totally committed to the city.”

Las Vegas Sands is also behind plans for a leisure complex and casino next to Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.